American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

Which term describes traits learned from the environment?

1. Nurture

2. Personality

3. Instinct

4. Acquired

The correct answer is: Nurture

The term that describes traits learned from the environment is "Nurture." This concept is fundamental in developmental psychology and refers to the influences that external factors such as upbringing, culture, education, and experiences have on an individual's development and behavior. Nurture encompasses the idea that an individual's characteristics can be shaped significantly by their surroundings and life experiences, as opposed to being solely determined by their genetic makeup. In contrast, personality refers to the enduring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that distinguish individuals, which can be influenced by both nature and nurture. Instinct relates to innate behaviors that are biologically hardwired and do not require learning; these are not influenced by the environment. Acquired traits, while similar to nurture, more often relate to skills or knowledge gained through education or experience rather than the broader emotional and social influences characterized by the nurture aspect.